Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a fantastic combination of crispy and creamy. The tortillas crisp up perfectly in the oven while the cream cheese and cheddar filling stays rich and comforting. The best part? These taquitos are baked, not fried, making them a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste or texture. They’re quick to prepare (ready in under 30 minutes), customizable to your preferences, and perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or game-day snacks.
Ingredients
(Makes 10 taquitos)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 10 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for brushing)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Crumbled cotija cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave (about 10–15 seconds) to make them more pliable. Place 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, spreading it down the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, then place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 4: Bake the Taquitos
Lightly brush the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve
Once the taquitos are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or fresh garnishes like shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10 taquitos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 25–28 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: For an extra boost of flavor and nutrition, consider adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the chicken mixture.
- Different Meats: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily swap it out for ground beef or turkey.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling for some extra heat.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can try swapping it for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses for a more diverse flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To restore crispiness, reheat the taquitos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes. You can also microwave them, though they won’t be as crispy.
Freezing for Later:
Freeze unbaked taquitos on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and cook directly from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes to the baking time.
Perfect Pairings
These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos pair beautifully with:
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds freshness and richness.
- Salsa: A tangy tomato-based salsa complements the cheesy filling.
- Mexican Street Corn: Serve alongside elote or esquites for a festive touch.
- Refried Beans: A hearty side of refried beans makes this a complete meal.
- Margaritas or Agua Fresca: Pair with a refreshing drink like lime agua fresca or a classic margarita for a fun vibe.
Nutritional Information (Per Taquito, Approx.)
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Protein: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~12g
- Fat: ~9g
- Fiber: ~1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Conclusion
These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are the perfect combination of creamy and crispy, making them a hit at any gathering or meal. With their easy preparation and versatility, you can enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. So, whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a delicious dinner, these taquitos are sure to be a favorite!
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a healthier, oven-baked twist on the classic fried taquito. With a creamy chicken filling and a crispy, golden tortilla shell, they’re perfect for an appetizer, snack, or light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 25–28 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
10 small flour or corn tortillas
Cooking spray or olive oil (for brushing)
Optional Toppings:
Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Crumbled cotija cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave (about 10–15 seconds) to make them more pliable. Place 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, spreading it down the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, then place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Lightly brush the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
- Once the taquitos are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or fresh garnishes like shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.
Notes
For added flavor and nutrition, sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the chicken mixture.
If you prefer a different meat, you can swap the chicken for ground beef or turkey.
For a spicy kick, add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
Cheddar is a classic choice, but try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses for a more varied flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
